MormonFAQ

Mormon FAQ page is under construction.

The purpose of this page is two-fold:

1. to provide factual information about the restoration sects (Sects resulting from Joseph Smith) including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons, the LDS Church);
2. to provide reporters and other authors with advice on the consistent use of words, names, places and other elements in writing about the Church and related restorationist groups.

It is hoped that the information given will be helpful to journalists and others who write about restorationist faiths and their members, doctrines, practices, or beliefs.

Disclosure statment:While this page is sponsored by a pro-LDS group, every effort has been made to take a neutral position on the issues presented here.

WHO ARE THEY?

Restorationist Faiths.

Restorationist faiths or churches are defined as all faiths who can trace their origins to Joseph Smith, Jr. [1805-1844] and the religious manifestations that he reported during his life. Restorationist movements either spring directly from the religious community founded by Smith, or via separation from some other restorationist faith(s), much as Protestant groups broke with Roman Catholicism and then fragmented further.

It is vital that writers maintain a neutral tone when reporting on events. This is of particular concern when the writer is a member of one of the restorationist churches. Pejoratives such as apostate or break-off should never be used to describe faith groups, except when directly citing a source. When this is done, it ought to be clear that the characterization belongs to the source, not the media.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

This is the largest of all of the restorationist movements and is based in Salt Lake City. Note the lower case on the word "day" and the use of hyphenation. Also, since the starting "The" is part of the formal name of the Church, it should be capitalized, even if used in the middle of a sentence. http://www.lds.org/, http://www.mormon.org/

The Community of Christ (RLDS)

Previously known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This church is the only other world wide church within the restorationist movement and is headquartered in Independence, Mo. Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

http://www.cofchrist.org/

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This group was formally organized in 1991 in response to what they felt was the liberal direction of the Community of Christ (RLDS). Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

This church also broke with the The Community of Christ over the issues of the ordination of women and other changes in that church. Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

http://www.theremnantchurch.com/

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church) is one of America's largest practitioners of plural marriage. The FLDS Church emerged in the 1930s largely because of the LDS Church's continued practice of excommunicating any practitioners of plural marriage. There is no connection between the FLDS Church and the LDS Church. Members of the FLDS church are mostly children or grandchildren of people who were excommunicated from the LDS church because of their practice of polygamy.

Note the lack of hyphenization in "Latter Day," and the fact that both words are capitalized.

Others

There are many other small denominations of restorationist churches. The purpose of this guide is not to list them all, but to make interested authors aware that they exist. The various denominations are not affiliated with each other, so it is important to correctly identify which denomination you are referring to in anything you may write. There is no "synod" or "umbrella group" of restorationist movements.

Mormon

The term Mormon was originally used as a pejorative to identify a person who believed in The Book of Mormon (some early critics also used the term Mormonite, but this quickly fell from favor.) While it may be tempting to use the label "Mormon" to identify all that that belong to a restorationist movement church, that would be incorrect. Using the term "Mormon" without additional modifiers has come to represent members of the Salt Lake City based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not appropriate to identify members of the Community or Christ or members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as "Mormon" as that would be confusing. It becomes especially objectionable to the LDS church members to identify members of the FLDS as Mormons because the founders of that denomination were excommunicated from the LDS church.

ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led at the highest levels by two presiding quorums: The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (See LDS Newsroom - Organizational Structure of the Church)

The First Presidency

(See LDS.org Ensign Dec. 2005 - The Quorum of the First Presidency, Additional Info at Wikipedia - First Presidency (LDS Church))

The First Presidency consists of the President of the Church—often referred to more informally as the Prophet of the Church—and counselors, generally two. Historically there have been occasions when there have been more than two counselors, usually when the President of the Church had health issues that would not allow him to function at full administrative capacity.

Upon the death of a counselor, the President will call a replacement—such replacements generally come from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see below), but any faithful male may be called. If the current President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is called as a counselor in the First Presidency, then the next most senior Apostle is designated as Acting president of the Quorum while the actual president serves in the First Presidency.

The First Presidency is automatically dissolved upon the death of the President—the counselors have no role or authority apart from him. If counselors were members of the Quorum of the Twelve prior to joining the First Presidency, they resume their previous place in the seniority of that Quorum. If the President of the Quorum had been selected as a counselor then he resumes his duties as President of the Quorum.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

(See LDS.org Ensign Sep. 2005 - The Twelve Apostles)

The second governing body of the Church is the Quorum of the Twelve. Apostles are chosen by the First Presidency and serve in that capacity for life. There can be more than twelve apostles in the church (for example, the members of the First Presidency are almost always apostles), but the Quorum of the Twelve is limited to twelve members.

The president of the Quorum of the Twelve is that apostle who has been a member of the quorum for the longest period of time (excluding the President of the Church), even if he is serving as a counselor in the First Presidency. If the president of the Quorum of the Twelve is serving as a counselor in the First Presidency, the next-longest serving apostle will be designated the "Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve" and will handle the administrative leadership of the quorum.

This situation actually exists at present—President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency is the longest-serving apostle after the current Church president. President Monson is thus "President of the Quorum of the Twelve." The next-longest serving apostle is Boyd K. Packer, designated the "Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve" because of President Monson's assignment in the First Presidency.

When the First Presidency is dissolved upon the death of the President of the Church, the counselors in the First Presidency resume their positions in Quorum of the Twelve and the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assumes the leadership of the Church.

Succession in the Church

When the First Presidency is dissolved upon the death of the President of the Church, the counselors in the First Presidency resume their positions in Quorum of the Twelve and the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assumes the leadership of the Church. It is the responsibility of the Quorum of the Twelve to select a new President of the Church. Historically, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve has been chosen by the quorum to replace a deceased president of the Church.

Once the Quorum of the Twelve has designated a new President of the Church, the president chooses two counselors, generally from among the remaining apostles. This leaves the Quorum of the Twelve with eleven apostles, and a replacement apostle is chosen by the First Presidency. The most senior apostle (excluding the President of the Church) becomes the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and if he has been asked to serve as a counselor in the First Presidency, the most senior apostle not serving in the First Presidency becomes the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve.

The Quorums of the Seventy

(See LDS.org Ensign Aug. 2005 - The Quorums of the Seventy)

The Quorums of the Seventy serve throughout the Church under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.

Seventies may help supervise large geographic areas, oversee missionary work, and represent the Church leadership around the globe. The Seventy are presided over by seven presidents that together form a quorum called the Presidency of the Seventy. The roles of the Seventy have been frequently adapted and altered to meet the needs of a growing Church.

First Quorum of the Seventy

Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy are called for life and serve full-time. They generally receive inactive "emeritus status" at age 70. They are general authorities of the Church, with world-wide responsibility as assigned by the First Presidency and Twelve.

Second Quorum of the Seventy

Members of the Second Quorum of Seventy serve full-time for a period of five years. After their term of service, they return to regular occupations and pursuits. They are general authorities of the Church, with world-wide responsibility, as assigned by the First Presidency and Twelve.

Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Quorums of the Seventy

Members of these quorums are designated "Area Seventies," and continue their previous occupations. They receive assignments from The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, generally in geographic areas relatively close to their homes. Members of these quorums are considered "general officers," of the Church, but have no authority except as designated by the First President and Twelve. They can, however, be assigned to any duty anywhere in the world.

The specific quorums are assigned on the basis of geography:

• Third Quorum - The Third Quorum includes Area Seventies located in Europe and Africa.
• Fourth Quorum - The members of the Fourth Quorum live in Mexico, Central America, and the northern part of South America.
• Fifth Quorum - The Fifth Quorum members are in the western parts of the United States and Canada,
• Sixth Quorum - The members of the Sixth Quorum live in the central, southern, and eastern parts of the United States and Canada and in the Caribbean.
• Seventh Quorum - The Seventh Quorum members are located in Brazil and the southern areas of South America.
• Eighth Quorum - The Eighth Quorum members are located in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific islands, and the Philippines.

The Presiding Bishopric

(See LDS.org Ensign Jul. 2005 The Presiding Bishopric)

The Presiding Bishopric oversees the work of the Aaronic Priesthood throughout the Church. This includes work related to welfare, building construction and maintenance, and youth programs. The Presiding Bishopric also sits on the "Council for the Distribution of the Tithes," which oversees and manages the Church's financial affairs.

The Presiding Bishopric consists of a Bishop and two counselors.

Stake Leadership

(See LDS.org Ensign May 2000 - The Stake President)

A stake is a collection of about eight to twelve local congregations (wards and branches). All stake leadership positions are filled by volunteer labor only. There is no remuneration for serving in these callings, so people who serve also have a regular job outside of their church position.

Stake Presidency and High Council

The presiding authority for a stake is the stake presidency, consisting of a president and two counselors. The stake president is also the president of the high priest quorum in the stake. Stake presidents are chosen by a General Authority or Area Authority. The stake presidency is assisted in its administrative and ministerial responsibilities by the stake high council, which consists of twelve high priests.

Stake Auxiliaries

The stake leadership includes a number of auxiliary organizations that mirror corresponding organizations found in the wards and branches. There are presidencies (a president, two counselors, and a secretary) for the Relief Society (women over 17 years old), Young Men (12 to 18 year old boys), Young Women (12 to 18 year old girls), Sunday School (Sunday morning classes for all members aged 12 and older), and Primary (children 3 to 11 years old). These presidencies serve as advisers and trainers to the ward level presidencies and provide coordination when multiple wards participate in a project or activity.

Other Stake Positions

Under the direction of the stake presidency, men and women are called to serve the stake in a variety of additional positions as needed. These responsibilities can include activities, athletics, public affairs, employment, family history and genealogy, physical facilities, audio-visual, music, military relations, single members, and many others. The stake presidency also calls members to assist with financial, membership, and other types of record-keeping and clerical tasks associated with administering the stake.

Ward and Branch Leadership

Members of the Church are organized into congregations that meet together frequently for spiritual and social enrichment. An LDS congregation is called a ward (or branch if the congregation is small). Wards and branches comprise a specific geographic area and members attend the ward or branch in which they live. If a ward becomes too large to allow all to participate it will generally be divided. There is no remuneration for serving in ward or branch callings, so people who serve also have a regular job outside of their church position.

The goal of a local congregation is to allow all members to contribute to its function so that all might be given the opportunity to serve. It is through service that members perfect themselves in love for God and their neighbor. Different organizations in the ward or branch contribute to the Lord’s work: high priests group, elders quorum, Relief Society (for women ages 18 years and older), Aaronic Priesthood quorums (for young men ages 12 through 17), Young Women classes (for young women ages 12 through 17), Primary (for children ages 18 months to 11 years), and Sunday School (for all Church members ages 12 and older). Each of these organizations fulfills important roles in teaching the gospel, giving service, and supporting parents in their sacred duty to help their children become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. These organizations also work together to help members share the gospel with others.

Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies

(See LDS.org Ensign May 1999 - The Bishop and His Counselors)

The presiding authority in a ward is the bishopric, which consists of the bishop and two counselors. The presiding authority in a branch is the branch presidency, which consists of the branch president and two counselors. Bishops are chosen by the stake president and approved by the First Presidency prior to their call. They serve for an indefinite period of time (often five to seven years). Branch presidents are chosen by the stake president and serve for an indefinite period of time. A branch president performs essentially the same functions as a bishop although he doesn't have to be a high priest and he may be serving under the direction of a mission president instead of a stake president in areas of the world where there are too few congregations to form a stake.

The bishop is both presiding high priest in the ward and president of the Aaronic Priesthood. As presiding high priest he watches over the congregation and ministers to the needs of the saints. As president of the Aaronic Priesthood he has a special duty to watch over the youth (ages 12-18) of the congregation and guide them.

The bishopric leads a committee called the priesthood executive committee (PEC), which consists of the bishopric, the high priest group leader, the elders quorum president, the Young Men president, and the ward mission leader. This committee regulates the functioning of local priesthood units.

The PEC and the ward auxiliary leaders form the ward council. Through this committee, ward efforts are brought together in unity. The bishop also presides over the ward welfare committee that watches over members during sickness, financial distress, and other family emergencies. (See: LDS.org True to the Faith - Welfare)

Relief Society

(See LDS.org True to the Faith - Relief Society, Additional info at Wikipedia - Relief Society)

The woman's organization is called the Relief Society. All women of age 18 or over are members of the Relief Society. It has a president and counselors drawn from its membership. The Relief Society president serves in two important councils of the local congregation. The ward council, where ward efforts are harmonized, and the welfare committee, where physical needs of members of the ward are discussed and efforts are made to relieve sick, impoverished, and otherwise afflicted members.

Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums

(See LDS.org True to the Faith - Melchizedek Priesthood)

Since the LDS Church has a lay ministry, all worthy male members will hold the priesthood. And since one of the goals of the Church is to "make bad men good, and good men better" the quorums will work to help men become worthy to hold the priesthood. Holding the priesthood does not require a man to be perfect, nor does it indicate a large amount of training such as might be expected in other faiths. A priesthood holder simply should have a desire to serve God and his fellow man. All priesthood members are expected to serve as home teachers to one or more families in the ward. The home teaching program encourages fellowship throughout the ward while allowing family needs to be brought back to the bishop. There are two priesthood quorums in the LDS ward, the high priests group and the elders quorum.

The High Priests Group

(See LDS.org Ensign Jun. 2005 - The High Priests Quorum)

There is only one high priests quorum in each stake, and the stake president and his counselors are the high priest quorum presidency. High priests in a ward are organized into a high priests group and one of their members is chosen by the stake president to serve as the high priests group leader. Two additional men are chosen from the high priests group to serve as assistants to the high priests group leader. The high priests generally are older men and recently the management of ward family history consultants was placed under the high priest group leader. The high priests have always had an emphasis on temple work and family history.

Elders Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Apr. 2005 - The Effective Elders Quorum)

The elders quorum includes all men over the age of 18 who are not in high priests quorum. The elders quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors. Besides home teaching, elders typically provide service through service projects in the ward to help reach out to those in need.

Youth Organizations

The Youth (Aaronic) Priesthood

(See LDS.ORG True to the Faith:Aaronic Priesthood Additional info at Wikipedia - Young Men)

Also known as the young men program, this organization includes males aged 12 to 17. The young men program consists of two elements:

• the priesthood
• the youth activity arm.

Young men are ordained in the Church's lay priesthood beginning at age twelve. If they meet standards of worthiness and activity, they are generally advanced in the priesthood on their birthday as follows:

• Deacons: age 12–13
• Teachers: age 14–15
• Priests: age 16–17

Each priesthood group has a quorum, which meets together for gospel study, instruction, service projections, and priesthood duties. Each quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors. The ward bishop is president of the priests quorum and with assistants drawn from among the priests.

A parallel activity program for young men is also in place. In the United States and Canada the Scouting program serves as the activity arm for the young men. Some other countries use their own scouting ranks for activities; other regions operate such programs independent of their national scouting body.

The activity arm and many of the teaching duties of the priesthood arm are carried out by a young men president and two counselors. Other assistants, teachers, and scout workers may be called as needed.

Deacons Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Jan. 2005 - The Deacons Quorum)

The deacons quorum includes all young men ages 12 and 13. This quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors chosen from the quorum. This quorum traditionally provides service by passing the sacrament and collecting fast offerings.

Teachers Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Feb. 2005 - The Teachers Quorum)

The teachers quorum includes all young men ages 14 and 15. This quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors chosen from the quorum. This quorum traditionally provides service by preparing the sacrament prior to sacrament meetings and disposing what remains after the meeting and cleaning sacramental trays. These young men also begin service as home teachers, serving as junior companions to elders.

Priests Quorum

(See LDS.org Ensign Mar. 2005 - The Priests Quorum)

The priests quorum includes all young men ages 16 and 17, though it can include 18 year olds who have not finished high school. This quorum is presided over by the bishop with two assistants chosen from the quorum assist the Bishop. Traditionally this group blesses the sacrament during sacrament meetings. They continue to be home teachers, generally serving as junior companions to high priests.

Note: It is very uncommon for active LDS males to remain "priests" once they reach 18–19 years of age—most will be ordained elders (see below). The media often report, for example, that someone charged with a crime was "a Mormon priest." While this may sound like a prominent rank when compared to other religions' use of the term priest, an adult male who is a Mormon priest has almost certainly not been active in the LDS faith for any period of time after his teen years. Essentially all 16-17 year-old Mormons will be priests. Remaining an adult male priest is a marker for disaffection from or inactivity in the LDS Church. Similar remarks could be made about adult deacons and teachers.

The Young Women

(Additional Info at Wikipedia - Young Women)

This group includes all young women ages 12 to 17. The young women are presided over by a president and two counselors, women who watch over and provide counsel to the youth presidencies of the subgroups. At one time this organization was know as the Young Women Mutual Improvement Association or YWMIA. Remnants of this name persist. An example is the name of the 14-15 year old girls, MIA Maids.

Beehives

This includes all young women ages 12 and 13. They are presided over by a president and two counselors drawn from their group.

MIA Maids

This includes all young women ages 14 and 15. They are presided over by a president and two counselors drawn from their group.

Laurels

This includes all young women ages 16 and 17, although an 18 year old may remain in this group until graduating from high school. They are presided over by a president and two counselors drawn from their group.

Sunday School

(See LDS.org - The Ward Sunday School Presidency)

Sunday school is presided over by a president and two counselors. Traditionally these are men, called to oversee the function of the Sunday school. All members age 12 or over are listed in the Sunday school rolls and are encouraged to participate in the various Sunday school classes.

Typically classes are divided for youth into 2-year age groups to correspond to the classes of the young men and Young women programs. Continuing adult classes include Gospel Essentials class for new members and investigators and Gospel Doctrine class for the general adult membership. The Gospel Doctrine course will rotate through the scriptures of the Church covering:

• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Book of Mormon
• Doctrine & Covenants and Church History

Occasionally, when the need arises, optional courses on Marriage and Family Relations, Temple Preparation, or Family History can also be taught during Sunday school.

Primary

(See LDS.org - Introduction to Primary)

The children's organization is called Primary. It is traditionally presided over by a presidency consisting of a president and two counselors, all women. The primary oversees the teaching of all children ages 3 to 12. A nursery for children 18 months to age 3 is also maintained through the primary organization during the time when parents are in Sunday school and priesthood or Relief Society meetings. Each class is taught by one or more teachers.

The Community of Christ (RLDS)

The First Presidency

(See CofChrist.org - The First Presidency, Additional Info at Wikipedia - First Presidency (community of Christ))

The First Presidency provides primary leadership to the Community of Christ and is its highest-ranking priesthood quorum, consisting of the President of the church and two counselors. Together they preside over all aspects of the international church

The Council of Twelve Apostles

(See CofChrist.org - The Council of Twelve Apostles)

Members of the Council of Twelve Apostles are high priests called and ordained to be special missionary witnesses. Assigned by the First Presidency, they carry major responsibility for church expansion, and serve as administrative supervisors of field jurisdictions.

The Presiding Bishopric

(See CofChrist.org - Presiding Bishopric)

The Order of Evangelists

(See CofChrist.org - The Presiding Evangelist)

The Presiding Evangelist serves as a spiritual companion, counselor and guide to the church and its leaders and to the Order of Evangelists in fulfilling the significant ministry they provide to the church, especially in a time of transformation and change.

Evangelists are ordained to be ministers of blessing, witnessing of Jesus Christ and responsive to the reconciling and redeeming influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of persons, serving in multiple ministries according to the unique gifts and callings of each evangelist

The Quorum of High Priests

(See CofChrist.org - High Priest Quorum)

High priests are called to be ministers of vision for the Community of Christ. As they help the church see the world in new ways, their task is to guide congregations and individuals in becoming disciples. Helping the church pursue ministries of peace and justice, high priests serve to build bridges of understanding between people and cultures. Concerned with the growth and development of other ministers they provide mentoring, support, and opportunities to encourage others to grow spiritually. High priests often hold leadership roles within the church.

The Presidents of Seventy

(See CofChrist.org - Missionary Ministries)

The office of Seventy is a specialized priesthood office in the Community of Christ. The office and its function are modeled after the tenth chapter of Luke in the New Testament:

“After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” --Luke 10:1 NRSV

The Seventy are specifically charged with carrying out missionary work for the church in close association with other missionary leaders. There are seven Presidents of Seventy, one for each quorum, or group of missionaries. Each quorum has a specific geographical emphasis.

Local leadership

Local congregations are led by a Pastor.

BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

For the official declaration of the LDS beliefs and practices, go to www.Mormon.org

First and foremost, the LDS church believes that God is a loving Heavenly Father and that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The Bible is used as a principal book of scripture.

They consider themselves to be a Christian denomination and it is extremely offensive to them to consider them otherwise. But, they do not consider themselves to be Protestant. They are restorationist.

Some of the beliefs that differentiate the LDS Church from other churches include:

1) Modern day revelation and modern day prophets. Starting with Joseph Smith in 1830, the Church has a prophet that leads the church. The prophet generally gives counsel and guidance and there is no expectation of infallibility. There is also a strong belief in receiving revelation "line up line." We--meaning the membership and the prophet--learn only what we are able to apply in our lives. Free agency also plays a big role and everyone is free to choose to follow or not to follow.

2) Apostasy and Restoration. Mormons believe that Jesus established a church on the earth. As the Apostles were killed, there was a loss of authority in the Church. While there were many great and inspired people throughout time in many denominations, the authority and many teachings were lost and had to be restored.

3) Scripture. LDS and RLDS believe that the Bible is the word of God as it is written down by man. They do not hold it as the infallible Word of God as it may contain the errors of men. But, even though they say that, they are traditionally conservative in their Bible interpretation and are strong readers of the Bible. One Barna Research poll has members of the LDS Church reading the Bible more frequently than many protestant denominations. The Latter-day Saints also believe in an Open Canon. That means they believe in scripture in addition to the Bible. The Book of Mormon is considered scripture as well as the Doctrine and Covenants (called the Book of Commandments by some denominations) and the Pearl of Great Price (Not accepted by all non-LDS denominations.)

4) View of Salvation. Christ makes it possible for us to be saved. But he expects us to repent and come to him. This means he expects us to do what he asks. LDS believe he asks us to be baptized, live a goodly life, and repent as we make mistakes. Christ saves us, the ordinances such as baptism do not. But Jesus asks us to show our commitment to him through following his commandments and one cannot expect to be saved if he or she willfully and knowingly refuses the gospel ordinances. Everyone will have the opportunity to be saved and we are not able to say who is saved and who isn't as God will be the judge and not man.

5) Nature of God. Mormons believe in God the Father, in his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Where they differ from many other denominations is they don't believe they are one in substance as many trinitarians believe.

6) Deification. One belief that irritates some of the protestant denominations is the belief that God is our Heavenly Father, and that through Jesus Christ we might one day be like Him and be joint-Heirs with Christ in our Heavenly Father's presence. The doctrine is called deification by many theologians and was widely believed by some of the early church fathers in early Christianity.

False beliefs and Non-beliefs. There are many things in the LDS church that are held up to ridicule by professional anti Mormons and by some of the protestant denominations. These things simply are not true.

1) God had sexual intercourse with Mary. This is not a doctrine of the LDS church. It is believed that Jesus is the literal Son of God, but the process by which he was concieved has never been a canonized doctrine of faith within the LDS church. It can't be denied that there may be some

2) Mormon believe they will be Gods over their own planets and have endless celestial sex with their multiple Goddess wives. This is a gross mischaracterization of LDS belief. Mormons believe that we will be Joint-Heirs with Christ (see Deification above). While some individuals have speculated on what life would be like in heaven, none of those speculations have followed this claim that has been put forward by professional anti-Mormons. Mormons are offended by this claim.

3) Mormons believe they are saved by good works and ordinances. (See view of Salvation). Mormons believe they are saved by Jesus Christ. Without Christ, it wouldn't matter how many good works or ordinances you did, it would not lead to your salvation.

4) Mormon believe you must practice polygamy to be saved. In the LDS church, plural marriage (or polygamy) was a practice and a belief that was appropriate for its time in the 1840's through the 1890's. In the 1890's its usefulness had mostly past as it ended the practice. They follow a Book of Mormon scripture which states plural marriage is not to be practiced except during times when God commands it.

5) African-Americans are cursed of God. This is not a belief in the LDS church. Unlike most denominations, African Americans have worshiped together with white members in LDS congregations since the 1830's. In the LDS church, Blacks were ordained to be members of the lay priesthood in the 1830's, but then in the 1840's under the leadership of Brigham Young the practice was instituted to deny African-Americans membership in the lay priesthood until 1978 (Just as a note, most protestant denominations also had no African-American ministers over white congregations until the late 1960s and early 1970s.) In justifying the practice of denying priesthood authority, the Mormons picked up the popular protestant explanation that black skin was the result of the curse of Cain. Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated that we should forget about all of those past explanations.

TERMS

A

Aaronic Priesthood

This is one of the two Latter-Day Saints priesthoods. It is made up of three offices Deacon, Teacher and Priest each with increasing duties. In the LDS Church it is generally given to young men starting at age 12. In the RLDS and most other restorationist churches, it is generally given to adults. Capitalize both words. See priesthood.

Aaronic Order

A communal restorationist faith in and around Esk-Dale, Utah.

anti-Mormon

Those who actively campaign against Mormon beliefs or practices. Merely disbelieving Mormon doctrine, leaving the Church, or disagreeing with Church policy does not make someone anti-Mormon. Some anti-Mormons write books, pamphlets and articles, while others protest outside of church buildings and conference centers while the Mormons worship. For an example of anti-Mormon activities, see: ((link|url=http://www.fairlds.org/Anti-Mormons/Street_Preachers.html}}. Anti-Mormons generally share one of two ideologies: (a) Evangelical/Fundamentalist Christian groups or (b) secular/agnostic/atheist, usually former members. Authors should be aware that that some who pass themselves off as experts on Mormonism have their own ideologic agendas, and sometimes derive some or all of their income from material attacking the LDS church.

apostate

An inflammatory word used by some to denote a person who has been a member of a Church and who has been excommunicated or who has withdrawn from membership because of belief in doctrines that are not compatible with church doctrine. The term, however, should not be used to describe or label any church or person. If a church can trace its origins to another church, then it should be so stated. For example: The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ was formed by members of the RLDS Church in 1989. If an individual is no longer a member of the church, they should be referred to as a "former member" or some other less inflammatory term.

Apostle

A calling usually in reference to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the RLDS Church it may be used as a title, Apostle John Smith. Use the term Elder in the LDS Church, Elder John Smith, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Area Authority Seventy

Articles of Faith

Auditorium, The

Capitalize when referencing to the building (RLDS) at Independence, Mo.

B

baptism for the dead

The practice of baptizing a person by proxy for a deceased person. Do not capitalize. This rite is performed most often in the temples of the LDS Church.

Barlow University

A college in Colorado City, Arizona operated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Barlow)

Beehive

A term used for a class of young women age 12 or 13.

Bishop

A lay person called to oversee the operation of a local congregation (LDS) or to assist in the temporal affairs of the church in a given area (RLDS). Capitalize when part of the title. Bishop John Smith otherwise lower case as in the bishop's storehouse. In the RLDS and Temple Lot, etc. bishops have the general oversight and responsibility for all the temporal affairs of the church and its members.

Book of Commandments

A book of scripture first published in 1833, consisting of revelations received by Joseph Smith. It was reissued in 1835 with additional revelations as the Doctrine and Covenants. The Book of Commandments is still used by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and several other restorationist churches. .

Book of the Law of the Lord

A book of scripture translated by James J. Strang in 1851. Used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strang) and related groups.

The Book of Mormon

A book of scripture used by most, but not all, of the restorationist churches. Translated by Joseph Smith, Jr. it is also known as The Record of the Nephites by some churches. The LDS Church's media style guide gives the name as The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ which is rarely used even within the LDS Church. Citing scriptures from the Book of Mormon. Because the Book of Mormon has two different verse numbering systems in use it is important to cite verses from it in a consistent way. The numbering system used by the church about which the story is concerning should be used with the alternate system used afterwards. The two systems are noted as either LDS or RLDS. For example: 1Ne. 1:1 (1Ne. 1:1 RLDS) You should do this even in cases where the two numbering systems agree.

Abbreviations of book titles The following are the accepted abbreviations.

• 1 Ne. 1 Nephi
• 2 Ne. 2 Nephi
• Jacob Jacob
• Enos Enos
• Jarom Jarom
• Omni Omni
• W of M Words of Mormon
• Mosiah Mosiah
• Alma Alma
• Hel. Helaman
• 3 Ne. 3 Nephi
• 4 Ne. 4 Nephi
• Morm. Mormon
• Ether Ether
• Moro. Moroni

Branch

Ecclesiastical unit in the LDS Church that is comparable in function to a ward but that is smaller. It is presided over by a Branch President.

Brigham Young University

Also known as BYU or "The Y". A University in Provo, Utah operated by the LDS church. It is one of the largest private Universities in the West with approximately 27,000 daytime students. It has received many national recognitions and is ranked high in several categories. http://www.byu.edu

Brigham Young University-Idaho

A University in Rexburg, Idaho operated by the LDS church. Formerly known as "Ricks College." http://www.byui.edu/

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

A University in Laie, Hawaii operated by the LDS church. http://www.byuh.edu/

BYU Jerusalem Center

The Jerusalem Center is Brigham Young University's center for study in Jerusalem. Students enroll through the BYU campus in Provo, Utah, travel to the Holy Land, and live in the Center for programs that extend for two or four months. Students study a core curriculum that focuses on Old and New Testament, ancient and modern Near Eastern studies, and language (Hebrew and Arabic). Classroom study is built around field trips that cover the length and breadth of the Holy Land. http://ce.byu.edu/jc/

C

Celestial Kingdom

The highest of degree of glory in the LDS concept of heaven. It is compared to the glory of the sun It is sub-divided into three heavens or degrees (D&C 131:1-4).

D

Deacon

An office in the Aaronic Priesthood. In the LDS Church this office is generally given to boys at the age of 12. In the Community of Christ (RLDS) it is held by adults, both men and women. This office generally performs non-ecclesiastical duties such as collecting offerings and passing the sacrament (communion) to the congregation.

Doctrine and Covenants

E

Elder

There are three uses for the term "Elder." First it is a level of priesthood that belongs to most male members between the ages of 18 and 50. Secondly, it is the title used when referring to all male LDS missionaries who posses that priesthood. Third, it is the title used when referring to members of the the Quorum of the Twelve, or the Seventy. For example, Dallin H. Oaks may be referred to as "Elder Oaks."

Endowment

Ritualistic-drama ceremony given in LDS temples that teaches man about the creation, fall, atonement, and how man may return to God's presence and be exalted.

Exaltation

In LDS belief, exaltation refers to the deification of men and women in the highest heaven of the Celestial Kingdom. This is reserved for those who are heirs of God and join-heirs with Jesus Christ (See Romans 8:16-18). They will become "gods, even sons of God" (See D&C 76:58-59) and thus participate in the Divine Council (See Psalm 82).

F

Family Home Evening 

Family Prayer

Fasting

Fast Offerings

Fast and Testimony Meeting

On the first Sunday of each month, the members of the church fast. Then when they come to church, instead of their usual meeting they have an open pulpit and allow the members to stand and give their testimonies.

First Presidency

The highest presiding council of the Church composed of the President of the Church who is the Presiding High Priest over the whole Church and usually two counselors who are also High Priests. All three are referred to by the the title of "President." The RLDS and the LDS Churches both have a First Presidency.

G

Garments

After a member of the church goes to the temple, they wear special garments as their under clothing as a sacred reminder of covenants made with God. They are similar in form to boxer shorts and an under shirt. Some anti-Mormons mockingly refer to this as "magic underwear" or other derogatory names which behavior is very offensive to the members of the church.

General Authorities

Church Leaders who have authority in the world wide church and who are not restricted in authority to certain geographical regions alone. The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the First and Second Quorums of Seventy, and the Presiding Bishopric are all general authorities.

General Conference

The first weekend in April and the first weekend in October, all of the General Authorities of the church will meet in Salt Lake City in the conference center. They will give sermons and talks on a variety of subjects. It is broadcast all over the world and listened to by the members of the LDS church. You can see the talks from General Conference here http://www.lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,49-1-775,00.html

Gift of the Holy Ghost

The right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. This right is given only after proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands by those who hold Melchizedek Priesthood. It acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify them from sin.

Godhead

• The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost acting in a quorum. In the LDS teach that "the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us." (D&C 130:22)
• The term "Godhead" as found in the KJV New Testament is archaic and means "godhood"--the quality or state of being divine. LDS do not generally use the term in this fashion although it is in KJV version of the Bible which is used by the Church.

H

High Priest

This is a level in the LDS priesthood given to many males over the age of 50, or to those who have served in Ward or Stake leadership positions.

Home Teaching

Homosexuality

I

Institute

J

Jesus Christ

Joseph Smith 

L

Laurel

M

Melchizedek Priesthood

Mia Maid

P

Pastor

The leader of the local congregation in the RLDS Church.

Patriarch

Patriarchal Blessings

Pearl of Great Price

A book of scripture held sacred by the LDS Church. It contains various texts including:

• The Book of Moses: Joseph Smith's retranslation of the early chapters of Genesis.
• The Book of Abraham: Joseph Smith's translations of some papyrus that was discovered with some mummies by Michael Chandler.
• Joseph Smith - Matthew: Part of Joseph Smith's retranslation of Matthew, chapters 23 and 24.
• Joseph Smith - History: Joseph's account of early events of the Church, taken from his History of the Church. And,
• The Articles of Faith: A brief statment of basic beliefs of the Church, originally part of a letter by Joseph Smith to John Wentworth, Editor of the Chicago Democrat who inquired of Joseph about the Church.

Priest

A level in the LDS priesthood held by young men ages 16-18. It is also often held by newer male converts in the LDS church. In the Community of Christ (RLDS) the office of Priest as with other Priesthood offices is generally held by adults, both men and women.

Primary

The children's organization in the LDS church.

R

Relief Society

the woman's organization within the LDS church. All women within the church belong to this organization.

S

Sabbath

Seminary

Stake

Ecclesiastical unit comprised of wards and branches and presided over by a Stake President.

Stake Conference

A meeting of the entire stake. It generally takes place twice a year. No ward or branch meetings are held on the Sunday when Stake Conference is held.

T

Teacher

There are two uses of this word among LDS. The first is the familiar term teacher, as in a Sunday School teacher. The second usage is for a position in the LDS priesthood that is generally reserved for young men age 14-16.

Telestial Kingdom

The lowest kingdom of Glory in the LDS view of heaven. It is compared to the glory of the stars.

Temple

The temple is not a church building for normal Sunday meetings. It is a place of sacred worship and ceremonies performed for the living and on behalf of the dead.

Terrestrial Kingdom

The middle kingdom of Glory in the LDS view of heaven. It is compared to the glory of the moon.

Testimony

This has two uses within the LDS church. First it is a description of belief, as in "He has a testimony of the gospel." Secondly, it is used to describe the verbal expression of that belief, as in "He bore his testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Tithing 

Tithing has been defined by the Lord as "one-tenth of [a person's] interest annually" (D&C 119:4). Generally this has been interpreted to mean "increase." The Church has not defined "interest" or "increase" specifically and so it is up to the member to determine what it is.

W

Ward

Ecclesiastical unit presided over by a Bishop. Members are assigned to attend wards by geographical location.

Welfare

Word of Wisdom 

The health code followed by practicing Latter-day Saints (Mormons.) The current interpretation includes not drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, taking illegal drugs, drinking coffee, or black or green tea. Some Latter-day Saints in the United States have further interpreted this to mean they should not drink any caffeinated beverages although many have not.

Z

Zion

There are several definitions:

• The name of the people of the Lord (Moses 7:18).
• A city built by Enoch and his people that was translated (Moses 7:18-69).
• The City of Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:6-7).
• The New Jerusalem that is to be built in Jackson County Missouri (D&C 84:1-4).
• All of North and South America (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 362).